When addressing the needs of a client with a newly diagnosed spinal cord injury, the nurse understands that which of the following are true about nutritional needs?
The client will be NPO until fitted for a halo vest
A high calorie, high protein diet will be started within 3 days
High fiber and decreased protein is needed immediately after injury
Low fiber and no protein is needed 2 days after the injury
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Rationale: Keeping the client NPO until fitted for a halo vest is not a standard practice, and nutritional support should be initiated as soon as possible.
Choice B Rationale: A high-calorie, high-protein diet is typically started within 3 days of a spinal cord injury to support healing and prevent muscle wasting.
Choice C Rationale: High fiber and decreased protein are not the immediate dietary needs after a spinal cord injury. High protein intake is important for tissue repair.
Choice D Rationale: Low fiber and no protein would not be recommended 2 days after a spinal cord injury, as protein intake is crucial for healing and recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the trunk, usually caused by an injury to the cervical spine (C1-C8).
Choice B Rationale: Incomplete loss of function refers to the extent of injury and whether some neurological function remains, not the level of injury.
Choice C Rationale: CA injury refers to cervical spine injury, which is the most common level of spinal cord injury.
Choice D Rationale: Hyperextension, like other mechanisms of injury (such as compression, flexion, or flexion-rotation), can contribute to spinal cord injury but does not define the level of injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: The patient who developed a new cough after eating breakfast should be seen first. This sudden change in respiratory status during or after eating suggests a potential risk of aspiration, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory distress or pneumonia.
Choice B Rationale: Medication refusal, while important, is not an immediate life threatening issue compared to a new cough with the potential for aspiration.
Choice C Rationale: Although constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not an acute priority compared to a new cough that may indicate a respiratory problem.
Choice D Rationale: A stage II pressure ulcer on the coccyx, while concerning, is not an immediate priority over a potential respiratory issue that requires urgent attention.
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